We are a group of pro-active parents in the Dunedin area of New Zealand who have children with autism.

We are committed to helping organise and fundraise for intensive early interventions which help make easier the lives of affected children and their families.

May 12 2016

Fundraising gala a great success

All of us in the Otago Children’s Autism Support Group would like to thank you for your generous support at our inaugural fundraising gala on May 5th.

The event exceeded all expectations, with a massive $20,000 raised. This is a huge financial boost to our charitable trust and it means we can continue to provide one-on-one therapy for children on the autism spectrum. Your contribution makes a real difference to our kids and their families in their struggle to deal with this challenging disorder.

There’s a long list of super people we’ve mentioned on our Facebook page, including local businesses and prize donors, our auctioneer and musicians and other awesome people, kind parents, friends and family. Thanks all so much, and look out for news of future fundraising events.

February 17 2016

Fundraising gala coming up in May!

This year we’re trying something pretty different and ambitious for fundraising. Loads of people have been generous so far, and our team are hard at work organising what should be a fab evening. Can you help sponsor the night, or buy tickets and come along, or do you know people who might be keen? Watch our Facebook page for more info leading up to the event.

June 16 2015

Paul Trani seminar 29th July

Dr. Paul Trani (Paediatrics, Dunedin Hospital) is giving a talk for interested parents and people who work with children with ASD called Complementary and Alternative Medicine(CAM) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This seminar runs from 7.30PM - 9.30PM on Tuesday 29th July at Burns Hall in Moray Place, Dunedin (on the grounds of First Church). The cost is $10.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine is an important and often fraught topic in the care and treatment of children affected by ASD.

Medical studies indicate that a large proportion of families of children with ASD are using CAM therapies. How do we integrate care?

The talk will run for about 45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. As usual, all funds raised will go toward wages for ABA therapists.

Dr Tony Attwood is well known throughout the world for sharing his knowledge on autism spectrum disorders. He is an outstanding speaker and the author of a number of bestselling books on ASD.

Early bird registration ($195) closes on Monday 6 July 2015 (payment after this date is $215). Book online at www.creatingsuccess.co.nz

March 18 2015

Rotary Duck Race fundraiser

Rotary Club Dunedin East held their annual Duck Race on the Leith River last Sunday (15th March).

The Otago Children's Autism Support Group were again happy beneficiaries of their awesome organising and fundraising. The Trust received $3000 from the Rotary group, which as usual all goes towards wages for the therapists who are working with the children.

Thanks to Rotary for their ongoing support, and also to all the people who bought and sold raffle tickets, and to the companies who donated great prizes.

The charitable trust was set up in 2004. We rely mostly on grants, donations and our fundraising to pay for therapists’ wages and training, and for education for parents, teachers and the community.

The trust focuses on raising funds for Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) therapy. This involves targeted individual learning programmes, and one-on-one teaching in the home, and also in school. Therapy hours are flexible and able to meet the requirements of the child and family.

We have great therapists who are terrific with the kids. The therapists are trained and assessed regularly under the umbrella of our service provider, Intervention Services for Autism and Developmental Delay (ISADD).